SUMMER now appears to be well and truly over, and many of us have likely been struggling to keep warm this week as we are battered with a deluge of wind and rain.
It may be tempting to turn the heating on at the first sign of autumn, however with energy bills set to rise and the Winter Fuel Payment scrapped for millions this is not an affordable option for countless Britons.
With this in mind, Jade Crooks, Commercial Director at DUSK has shared three tips to keep your bedroom cosy and warm without using heating this winter.
Although cushions are throws are great for creating a comfy bed, Jade revealed that sheets are the bedding item you should prioritise.
She said: “Swap out scratchy sheets for luxurious, soft bedding that’ll help you enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep.
“By opting for quality bed linen you can ensure that the feeling of your sheets is the best it can be.
“For the winter months – when cosiness is needed the most – a thicker, good-quality duvet cover with a high thread count will help regulate your body temperature and keep you warm while adding elegance to the room.”
Ambient lighting is a sure fire way to make your room feel cosy and homely, leaving you excited to return to your bedroom after a long day out in the cold.
Small lamps, salt lamps and dimmer switches will all help to make your room feel snug and warm.
Jade added: “Candles are also a great way of adding tranquil, warm light to any bedroom.
“You can even opt for a couple of scented candles to really go the extra mile – who doesn’t love a little bit of lavender in the air when they’re kicking back to relax? ”
According to Jade, adding textures to your bedding can help to bring in “depth, warmth and an abundance of cosiness.”
She said: “Whether you want a complete design overhaul or to just add a few touches of texture, look out for boucle, waffle, knitted, and fluffy home accessories to incorporate into your bedroom design.
“These materials can be incorporated through cushions, throw blankets or even a rug to enhance the softness of a room and, more importantly, will help you get snug in your bed.”
Consumer champion Martin Lewis has previously urged people looking to save on their bills to “heat the human, not the home”.
THERE'S a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you're struggling to get by.
If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.
This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.
If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don’t think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.
Several energy firms have grant schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.
But eligibility criteria varies depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.
For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.
British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.
You don’t need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.
EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.
Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).
The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill, and some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you’re struggling.
Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.
This means doing what you can to warm yourself up without blasting on a portable heater or your central heating around your whole home.
Naturally, layering up will be the first and cheapest way to stay warm, as you are using clothes you have already bought, costing nothing extra.
If you need more clothes, check out your local charity shop for any cheap buys.
Always make sure you shop around before buying anything though – that means using price comparison sites like Price Spy to see how much other retailers are selling a particular item for.
Other tricks include making sure you eat regular meals, as this keeps you healthy and warm.
If you’re looking to do this on a budget, make sure you opt for a supermarket’s budget and own-brand lines and these are usually much cheaper than premium ranges.
Some supermarkets have names for their budget lines, for example Tesco‘s Creamfields dairy line. Check online if you’re not sure.
Look out for energy-saving gadgets to keep you warm without the need for a radiator, such as electric blankets and heated throws which cost just pennies to run per hour.
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